(NaturalNews) The warmer months are upon us, and so the craving for fresh, cooling foods becomes commonplace. A winter of roasted and toasty warm dishes gives way to the desire for lighter fare. If you are looking to add some tang and a burst of refreshing flavor to your spring and summer dishes, look no further than the beautiful radish, renowned for its strong flavor and strong health benefits as well!

A few reasons you will want to add the tangy, zingy radish to your menu include its positive effects on conditions such as heart disease, urinary infections and disorders and blood pressure, to name just a few.(1)

Let's explore these benefits in more detail.

Radishes linked to reduction in cardiovascular disease

Loaded with anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid (phytonutrients), radishes get their bright red color and multiple health benefits from these compounds. This flavonoid has been linked (in multiple studies) with reducing incidence of cardiovascular disease, as well as having anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.(2)

Another reason radishes are a great vegetable for keeping cardiovascular disease at bay is their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is known to boost cardiovascular health by keeping blood cholesterol levels in check. Additionally, the vitamin C assists in producing the protein collagen, which keeps blood vessel walls strong and healthy.(3)

Urinary disorders can be prevented or eased with the power of the radish

Because radishes are naturally diuretic, they make an excellent choice for preventing and also in healing urinary tract infections. The juice of a radish can also help soothe and ease the pain of the burning feelings that some get with urinary tract or bladder infections.(4)

Radishes are one of the premier foods that aid in lowering blood pressure

Potassium is strongly linked to reducing blood pressure, and radishes are rich in it, making them a great choice. When potassium becomes part of the arterial supply it can relax the blood vessels, which increases blood flow, which then reduces the blood pressure, since the blood does not have to push itself through stiff and narrow vessels. (5)

How to add radishes to your menu

Crunchy, tangy and zesty -- radishes are an easy, inexpensive and tasty way to add some pizzazz to your diet. So what are some ways you can utilize this healthy little vegetable?(6)

About the author:A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia

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